Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has revealed that Leandro Trossard was “forbidden” from leaving the club during the summer transfer window, according to a report from the Evening Standard.
The Belgian forward proved his value by opening the scoring with a deflected finish in Arsenal’s dominant 4-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur, a result that moved them six points clear at the top of the Premier League table.
Trossard had been linked with a departure after the Gunners heavily reinforced their attack by bringing in players like Noni Madueke, Eberechi Eze, and Viktor Gyokeres.
Despite the new arrivals, Arteta insisted the player was essential, telling reporters:
“For me it was forbidden for him to leave. No chance. I know the player that he is, and surrounded with the players that we have, he’s a player that is going to make a difference for us.”
Though Trossard’s contract still runs until 2027, he was rewarded for his recent performances with a pay rise in August. Arteta was delighted with the forward’s display in the derby, which he called one of his best:
“I fully agree. It was one of the best games, so aggressive with and without the ball, so effective, he could have scored another one or two goals, and he was involved in so many positive actions. So that’s what we need.
As I said, I think individually the players were excellent today.” Arteta also praised Mikel Merino for his “incredible” and “intelligent” performance filling in as a number nine.